Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta announced today the New York City Fire Department’s schedule for its participation in National EMS Week 2007, which will be held from May 20 to May 26. The annual week-long series of events is designed to promote public safety among all New Yorkers, attract potential EMS recruits and celebrate the life-saving efforts of more than 3,000 members of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service.

Throughout the week, EMS stations across the five boroughs will be hosting community-based events aimed at teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to local residents of all ages and providing them with other critical safety tips.

FDNY EMS provides the most advanced prehospital care of any emergency medical service in the world, and the dedication of its members is highlighted in this year’s public service announcement now displayed across the City – “I AM FDNY EMS – Millions depend on me. My office is the street. My work is you.”

For media planning purposes, below is a list of the events planned throughout the City this week:

Sunday, May 20at 8 a.m.-- EMS Memorial Bike Tour -- EMS members gather at Station 20 at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx for a bike ride to Roanoke, Va., as part of the Annual National EMS Memorial Weekend.

Monday, May 21 at 10 a.m.-- Wreath Laying Ceremony – This event celebrates the start of the 34th Annual National EMS Week and honors fallen members of FDNY Emergency Medical Service. This event will be held at the Carlos Lillo Memorial at Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens, 25-10 30th Ave., Long Island City, Queens.

Tuesday, May 22 at 8 a.m. -- 7th Annual EMT/Paramedic Competition/Exhibition – This event challenges EMTs and Paramedics as they put their skills to the test for a chance to represent the FDNY at the National EMS Competition in Orlando, Fla. this year. This competition will be held at the Metrotech Commons, 9 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 10 a.m. – 13th Annual Second Chance Brunch – Survivors of cardiac arrest reuinte with EMS members, firefighters and others who helped give them a second chance at life. This year’s event will be held at FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island.

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. – EMS Medal Day 2007 -- This ceremony recognizes the best of “The Best,” honoring FDNY EMT’s and paramedics who have gone above and beyond in the performance of their life-saving duties
with the presentation of medals by Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. This year’s event will be held at the FDNY Headquarters Auditorium, 9 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn.

Friday, May 25 – Station Appreciation Day – Station commanding officers conduct various station-based events throughout the day to honor their members and provide outreach to the communities they serve.